Her focus is on track. Her commitment level is 100 percent, nothing less. And the results have been astonishing for Maddy Outman, a former Newton South High standout who has taken a giant leap in her junior year at Williams College.

Last month, Outman earned All-America recognition in four events -- a first in the history of the Williams women's track program -- to power the Williamstown school to its first NCAA Division 3 indoor track title in Terre Haute, Ind. She landed a second-place finish in the long jump, placed fifth in the 55-meter hurdles and the 400-meter dash, and ran a leg on the Ephs' 4 x 400 relay team that placed eighth.

Williams coach Ralph White said Outman "has made a lot of progress. She is an extremely hard worker and she has the ability to adjust. She listens like a sponge."

This spring, Outman is competing in the 400-meter hurdles for the first time and is ranked No. 1 in the nation.

About globe west updates Welcome to Globe West Updates, the news blog of the Globe West regional section of The Boston Globe. Check in with us often to see updated items about Boston's western suburbs from our staff reporters and correspondents. Give us your reaction to our stories in the print editions or on the blog by using the form below. Get involved — with Globe West!